Cornus florida

dogwoodfull
(Photo by David Jenkins)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Cornaceae
Common name: Dogwood, Flowering dogwood

General Information (1,2)

Region of Origin: United States
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Growth Habit: Tree

  • Size: 30 feet tall, 35 feet wide
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruiting:

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2)

  • Arrangement: Opposite
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Ovate
  • Other: 3-6 inches long, 1.5-3 inches wide

dogwoodleaf
(Photo by David Jenkins)

Stem/Bark (2)

  • Texture: Broken into square blocks

dogwoodbark
(Photo by David Jenkins)

Flower (1)

  • Perfect/Imperfect:
  • Color: Yellow; White to pink (bracts)
  • Size: 2.5-5 centimeters (bracts)
  • Inflorescence type: Head

dogwoodflower
(Photo by David Jenkins)

Fruit (2)

  • Fruit type: Drupe
  • Size: 1/3 inch long
  • Color: Red

Horticultural Information (1,2)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • pH: Acidic
  • Landscape Uses: Ornamental, Shade tree

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Related to Dogwood blight that is a detrimental fungal disease.

References

1) Christman,S. (2012 April 12).#33. Cornus florida. http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cornus_f.cfm
2) Dirr, M. (1990). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (4th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub..

Prepared by David Jenkins as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek